A THREE year scheme to tidy up Foregate Street and The Tything is about to begin.

The historic but run down route into Worcester city centre will be tarted up and restored thanks to a partnership between Worcester City Council and English Heritage.

The council is one of only a handful in the country to get the chance to work in such a partnership, which is being run through the charity's historic buildings grant scheme. A sum £50,000 from the council will be matched by the charity.

Any building within the Foregate Street and The Tything conservation area is able to apply for a grant.

The successful applicants will be given advice and help to repair the structure using high quality and traditional materials.

Conservation officer James Blackwell said: "The priority is for listed buildings but we've had a lot of interest from all sorts.

"We're encouraging owners of buildings at risk or in need of repair to apply and, if successful, we will help them fund the repairs.

"We have signed a contract with English Heritage to say we've got the funding and we are just waiting to hear back from them."

The project will last for three years and the grants can cover up to 50 per cent of the costs, up to a maximum of £15,000.

They will not fund routine maintenance, adaptations, conversions or modernisations, unless they are a part of overall restoration and repair work.

To find out more about applying for grants call Mr Blackwell on 01905 722559.